Wandering aimlessly about Jazz’SALive

The University of the Incarnate Word Jazz Ensemble performs Sunday afternoon at Jazz’SALive.

I’m disappointed in myself. For the third year in a row, I didn’t absorb as much Jazz’SALive as I would have liked. The first year I lived downtown, I was plain broke. Last year, I opted for another event the life of me I can’t remember what it was.

I strolled in late Saturday night (from Vegas) and Travis Park was packed. I caught a few numbers by the United States Army Medical Command Band. Ate a few tacos. Then bolted for Girl in a Coma, who was headlining the “American Sabor Music Festival” at Market Square.

Sunday I spent a little more time at Jazz’SALive. In the late afternoon, the University of the Incarnate Word Jazz Ensemble was belting out big band and swing classics. I was dead tired from many forms of binging the previous five nights and a plane ride. I didn’t stay that long.

I did partake in overpriced food. I’ve always felt the food element at Jazz’SALive was disproportionate to the festival’s size. There’s too much food. Not one but two fajita booths. Not one but two shrimp-on-a-sticks. Gorditas. Tripa tacos. Hamburgers. Roasted corn. Barbecue tacos. Cajun-style grub dominated the booths on East Pecan Street. At the Acadiana Cafe mobile shack I consumed fried pickles (I couldn’t finish them) and a pair of crawfish pistolettes.

Other booths included arts and crafts activities for the kids: Face Painting $2 (half-face) or $4 (full face); PlantSAlive Painted Pots $3; Spin Art $2 (you drop paint on a mini, furiously-spinning canvas); Leather Works $2. One tent was clearly a scam: “Win a 3 Day-2 Night Las Vegas or Orlando Dream Vacation Getaway! (Includes Roundtrip Airfare)” in which you had to fill out a form and then spin a prize wheel which suspiciously made winners of about half of the spinners.

This is probably one of my crappiest reports. Next year, I’ll try not to schedule an out-of-town vacation on the weekend of Jazz’SALive. It’s too cool and important event for downtown to half-ass. Right, Roy?